Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler vs Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB: Spec Comparison
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This comparison looks at the thermalright axp90 x53 low profile itx vs assassin x 120r se. Both coolers use four copper heat pipes and AGHP technology for efficient heat transfer. They share broad socket support for Intel and AMD platforms. The main difference is physical form. The AXP90 is a low-profile unit for small cases. The Assassin X is a standard tower with ARGB lighting. You need to choose based on case height limits and aesthetic preferences.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler | Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Cooler Height | 53mm | 148mm |
| Fan Size | 92mm | 120mm |
| Lighting | not listed | ARGB |
| Tower Design | Low Profile | Single-Tower |
| System Type | ITX | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler if
- You are building an ITX PC with strict height clearance under 53mm.
- You need a cooler that avoids blocking tall RAM modules in tight spaces.
- You prioritize compact dimensions over visible lighting effects.
Choose Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler if
- You have a standard mid-tower case with ample vertical space.
- You want ARGB lighting to match your system's aesthetic.
- You prefer a larger 120mm fan for potentially lower noise at similar airflow.
Verdict: The AXP90 X53 is the practical choice for small form-factor builds where space is the primary constraint. The Assassin X 120R SE offers more visual flair and a larger fan for standard cases. Select the AXP90 if your case height is limited, otherwise the Assassin X provides a more traditional cooling solution.
ITX Low Profile vs Tower ARGB
Tower design
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 is a low-profile cooler with a total height of 53mm. This compact design fits inside small ITX cases and HTPC builds where space is tight. It measures 94.5 by 95 by 53mm. The Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE is a standard single-tower cooler standing 148mm tall. Its dimensions are 120 by 71 by 148mm. This size requires a mid-tower or larger case. You must choose the AXP90-X53 for strict height limits. You should pick the Assassin X 120R SE if you have standard case clearance.
Fan size
The AXP90-X53 uses a 92mm fan, specifically the TL-9015 model. This fan is matched to the narrow fin stack of the low-profile design. The Assassin X 120R SE uses a larger 120mm fan, the TL-C12C-S. Larger fans generally move more air at lower speeds. The 120mm fan on the Assassin X provides higher maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM. The 92mm fan on the AXP90-X53 offers 42.58 CFM. You get better airflow potential with the larger 120mm fan on the Assassin X 120R SE.
Fan speed
The AXP90-X53 fan spins at a maximum of 2700 RPM. This higher speed helps compensate for the smaller 92mm fan diameter. It also helps move air through the dense, low-profile fin array. The Assassin X 120R SE fan runs at a lower maximum speed of 1550 RPM. This lower speed contributes to its quieter operation. The AXP90-X53 reaches a noise level of 22.4 dB at max speed. The Assassin X 120R SE reaches 25.6 dB. You get quieter operation from the Assassin X 120R SE due to its lower RPM.
Lighting
The Assassin X 120R SE includes ARGB lighting on its fan. You can sync these colorful effects with compatible motherboards. The fan is described as providing gorgeous light effects. The AXP90-X53 does not list any lighting features in its specifications. It is a functional cooler focused on heat dissipation in small cases. If you want visible RGB lighting in your build, the Assassin X 120R SE is the clear choice. The AXP90-X53 offers no lighting options.
Socket compatibility
Both coolers support a wide range of modern CPU sockets. The AXP90-X53 supports Intel LGA1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and 1851. It also supports AMD AM4 and AM5. The Assassin X 120R SE supports the same Intel sockets and AMD AM4 and AM5. Both use AGHP technology for their four 6mm copper heat pipes. Both include necessary mounting hardware for these platforms. There is no difference in socket support between the two models. Both offer broad compatibility for current and previous generation CPUs.
Which Thermalright cooler fits your build
Small ITX case builders needing low height
The AXP90-X53 stands only 53mm tall. This compact profile allows installation in tight ITX chassis where larger coolers do not fit. The 92mm fan maintains a low 22.4dB noise level. You get efficient cooling without sacrificing case compatibility or RAM clearance in small form factor builds.
Users wanting ARGB lighting effects
The Assassin X 120 features ARGB lighting for visual customization. Its 120mm fan delivers 66.17 CFM of airflow. The single-tower design stands 148mm high. This cooler suits standard ATX cases where aesthetics matter. You receive both performance and visual appeal for your system build.
Standard ATX users prioritizing airflow
The Assassin X 120 uses a 120mm fan for superior air movement compared to the 92mm option. It provides 66.17 CFM of airflow. The 148mm height fits most mid-tower cases. This configuration offers robust cooling capacity for general desktop use where space is not restricted by small chassis limits.
The products compared
Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler
Best for: Small ITX cases and HTPC builds
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851
- Cooler Height
- 53mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Tower Design
- Low-Profile
- Fan Size
- 92mm
- Fan Speed
- 2700 RPM
View on Amazon: Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler Affiliate link
This 53mm low-profile air cooler fits tight ITX cases. It uses a 92mm PWM fan and four 6mm copper heat pipes with AGHP technology. The design avoids gravity issues in vertical or horizontal mounts. It supports Intel LGA1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. You get a compact 94.5x95x53mm heatsink with a 22.4dB max noise level.
Pros
- 53mm height fits small chassis
- 4 pure copper heat pipes with AGHP tech
- 92mm PWM fan with 42.58 CFM airflow
- Supports Intel 1700/1851 and AMD AM5
Cons
- Lower max fan speed of 2700 RPM limits peak cooling
- No ARGB lighting included in this model
- Requires AMD motherboard backplate for installation
Good fit if
- You need a cooler under 55mm for an ITX case
- You use an Intel 1700 or AMD AM5 socket
- You prioritize silence over maximum thermal headroom
Skip if
- You require RGB lighting effects
- You have a standard ATX case with height limits over 100mm
- You need a cooler for high-TDP gaming CPUs
Verdict: Thermalright AXP90-X53 Low Profile Cooler fits users who need a compact 53mm solution for ITX builds. It provides reliable cooling for standard CPUs without the bulk of larger towers.
Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler
Best for: Standard mid-size cases and mainstream CPUs
- Cooler Height
- 148 mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Tower Design
- Single-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120 mm
- Fan Speed
- 1550 RPM
- Lighting
- ARGB
View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler Affiliate link
The Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE is a single-tower air cooler standing 148 mm tall. It uses four 6 mm copper heat pipes and a 120 mm fan rated at 1550 RPM. The fan delivers 66.17 CFM of airflow while keeping noise at 25.6 dB. It includes ARGB lighting. This cooler suits users with standard mid-size cases who need reliable cooling for AM4, AM5, or Intel sockets.
Pros
- Four 6 mm copper heat pipes with AGHP technology
- 120 mm PWM fan reaches 1550 RPM for 66.17 CFM airflow
- Quiet operation at 25.6 dB max noise level
- Supports AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA sockets
Cons
- 148 mm height requires a mid-size case
- Single-tower design limits cooling capacity for high-end CPUs
- ARGB lighting requires a motherboard header
Good fit if
- You have a mid-size case with at least 148 mm clearance
- You use an AM4, AM5, or Intel LGA processor
- You want quiet operation under 26 dB
Skip if
- You need a low-profile cooler under 53 mm
- Your case has less than 148 mm CPU cooler clearance
- You require a dual-tower design for extreme loads
Verdict: Thermalright Assassin X 120R ARGB fits users with mid-size cases who need quiet, efficient cooling for mainstream CPUs. It is not suitable for low-profile builds or extreme overclocking.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler | Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851 | not stated |
| Cooler Height | 53mm | 148 mm |
| Heat Pipes | 4 | 4 |
| Tower Design | Low-Profile | Single-Tower |
| Fan Size | 92mm | 120 mm |
| Fan Speed | 2700 RPM | 1550 RPM |
| Lighting | not stated | ARGB |
| System Type | ITX | not stated |
| Features | Fan | Fan |
| Dimensions | 3.72 × 3.74 × 2.09 inches | 4.92 × 2.8 × 5.83 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds | 1.39 pounds |
| Size | 53mm | 4 Heatpies |
| Color | AXP90 X53 | AX120R SE ARGB |
| Model | AXP90 X53 | not stated |
Frequently asked questions
Which cooler is better for a small ITX case?
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 is the better choice for small ITX cases. It has a low profile height of 53mm, which allows it to fit in tight spaces. The Assassin X 120 is a tower design that is too tall for most compact chassis. You should choose the AXP90-X53 if your case has strict height limits.
Does the Assassin X 120 have RGB lighting?
Yes, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler includes ARGB lighting. This feature adds visual customization to your build. The AXP90-X53 does not list RGB features in its specifications. If you want illuminated components, the Assassin X 120 is the only option with this capability in this comparison.
What is the height difference between these two coolers?
The AXP90-X53 stands 53mm tall, while the Assassin X 120 is significantly taller. The Assassin X 120 has a height of 5.83 inches, which converts to approximately 148mm. This large difference makes the AXP90-X53 suitable for low-profile builds. The Assassin X 120 requires a standard mid-size case with more vertical clearance.
Are both coolers compatible with AMD AM5 sockets?
The Thermalright Assassin X 120 supports the AM5 socket. It also lists compatibility with AM4, LGA 1851, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, and LGA 1151. The AXP90-X53 data does not explicitly list socket compatibility. You should verify socket support for the AXP90-X53 separately, but the Assassin X 120 is confirmed to work with AM5.
Which cooler weighs more?
The Assassin X 120 ARGB is heavier at 1.39 pounds. The AXP90-X53 weighs 1.1 pounds. The difference is slight, but the tower design of the Assassin X 120 adds mass. Both units are relatively light for air coolers. The weight difference is unlikely to impact case stability in most standard computer chassis.
Can I use the Assassin X 120 in an HTPC?
You likely cannot use the Assassin X 120 in an HTPC. It is designed for standard mid-size cases and mainstream CPUs. Its tower design and height of 5.83 inches exceed the space available in most Home Theater PC builds. The AXP90-X53 is specifically recommended for HTPC builds due to its compact 53mm profile.
Do both coolers use copper heat pipes?
Yes, both coolers utilize four copper heat pipes. The comparison section notes that they share this feature for efficient heat transfer. They also both use AGHP technology. This means both units rely on similar internal thermal conductive materials to move heat away from the CPU, regardless of their external size differences.